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Alex Telles gives an insight into his relationship with fellow left-back Luke Shaw

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Manchester United left-back Alex Telles has been a huge beneficiary since Ralf Rangnick took the interim boss position.

Prior to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in November, the Brazilian international had played just 17 minutes of Premier League football this season.

And that rare outing came as a result of Luke Shaw picking up an injury in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Before that appearance, Telles’ two starts under the Norwegian came in the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham and in the Champions League win against Villarreal where he brought us level with a sumptuous volley, before Cristiano Ronaldo took centre stage.

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

But despite scoring his first goal for the Reds, Solskjaer recalled Shaw for the 1-1 home draw against Everton just days later and Telles was back on the bench.

But the former Porto man’s fortunes have transformed and he has made nine Premier League starts under Rangnick and he was sat alongside the German in today’s pre-match press conference, ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Carrying out media duties alongside the manager is usually a good omen which may indicate that Telles is set to start the clash against Diego Simeone’s side at the Theatre of Dreams.

Rangnick told reporters that although Shaw had returned to training there was still a question mark about his availability for the return leg against the reigning La Liga champions.

Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Telles was also asked about his relationship with Shaw amid their ongoing battle to be United’s number one left-back.

United’s number 27 said: “I have great respect for Luke. Not just for him, for all the players in this side.

“I know the history Luke has at Manchester United. I came here to help, since the first day. The first year here for me wasn’t that easy for me, but this year I feel a lot better.

“I’m working very hard, I’m a player that comes to help. The manager makes the decisions. He’ll pick the player who is playing best.

“I have a huge amount of respect for him [Shaw] and we get on really well on the pitch.”